This is quite a complicated question and there are a few things I would like to know, so bear with me.

With a pokemon like Drifblim, as it already has a huge HP stat, I thought it would be better to invest fully in both defenses, rather than HP. But then Josh pointed out that because of the massive HP, every EV point in it returns more stat points than in a defense stat. Which gives you more bulk?

One could consider a pokemon like Shuckle the very opposite of Drifblim. With colossal defensive stats but rather unimpressive HP, you should probably invest 252 Def and 252 SDef, as it improves the stats by more with the same investment. However, its HP stat is so small that it seems like it needs more help. What's going on there?

The standard set for a physically bulky pokemon is 252 HP / 252 Def. But because Drifblim's HP stat is so high already, are those HP EVs going to waste? Would it be more beneficial to move those over to SDef, just because it's not worth it? I am aware that obviously maximum investment is always helpful, but how large is the margin between 0 EVs and maxed out?

For a pokemon with even HP and defensive base stats, is 252 HP more bulky? Or 128 HP / 64 Def / 64 SDef? Would 128 HP / 128 Def take physical hits enough better to warrant its use over the split investment?

For a Registeel, is 252 HP / 128 Def / 128 SDef still better than 252 Def / 252 SDef in terms of maximum bulk? Seeing as it has a decent enough HP already, unlike Shuckle. Also, same question for Exploud, and also Eviolite Wailmer.

If you answer all this, thank you very much. And make sure you know what you're talking about :P

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I can answer a bunch of your questions with one thing. Every 4 EV points give one stat point. That's 63 points in all for ANY pokemon and any stat. Natures, however, give more stats.

1: Look up there ^^2. Look up there ^^3. as I said earlier, the margin is 63 stat points. So whichever; probably HP, but only if you can predict the physical hits from the special ones. Otherwise, Sp. Defense would be the way to go.4. 252 HP takes hits pretty well. But let me explain. Let's say you have... a Mew. (same stats all-around). And you know you'll get hit with a physical move. 252 Defense will help more than 252 HP. But, 252 HP covers both sides of the spectrum, so... it really depends on your prediction. Though I'd recommend 128 HP, 64 Def, 64 Sp. Def for most standard.5. Well, there are other factors. Will you be getting hit with both spectrum moves for its tier (I don't know that tier), or special/physical? Will you have Lefties or healing moves, or Cosmic power/amnesia/iron defense? There are so many factors, but if you have the formers, HP, the latters, Defenses.